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5 Surprising Facts About John Cena’s Wife, Shay Shariatzadeh: The Private Engineer Who Became His '#1 Passion'

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The world knows John Cena as a 16-time WWE World Champion and a blockbuster Hollywood action star, but in 2025, his focus has shifted, and he’s openly declared his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh, as his "number one passion." Their relationship, which began quietly on a movie set, has evolved into one of the most stable and intriguing partnerships in the celebrity world. Unlike many celebrity spouses, Shariatzadeh maintains a private, high-powered career in the technology sector, keeping her life firmly out of the public spotlight—a stark contrast to Cena’s previous high-profile romances. This article dives into the freshest updates and little-known facts about the woman who has completely changed the trajectory of the wrestling legend's life.

The couple, who first met in 2019, has managed to keep their private life remarkably secure, despite Cena's global fame. With recent interviews discussing his impending wrestling retirement and his newfound focus on his wife, the public's curiosity about the engineer who captured his heart has peaked. From her Iranian roots to her major role in enterprise software, here is the deep dive into Shay Shariatzadeh's life and her powerful connection with John Cena.

Shay Shariatzadeh: The Engineer Who Met Cena on a Movie Set

Shay Shariatzadeh is an accomplished professional engineer and product manager whose life in the tech industry is a world away from the bright lights of professional wrestling and Hollywood. She is a highly educated and successful woman who has built her own formidable career.

  • Full Name: Shay Shariatzadeh
  • Birthplace: Iran (She holds Canadian citizenship and resides in Vancouver, British Columbia.)
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2013.
  • Primary Profession: Product Manager in the enterprise software and technology industry.
  • Notable Career Roles: She has held various roles, including working as a Product Manager at Sonatype, a leading enterprise software company. Her work focuses on security and product development.
  • How They Met: Shariatzadeh met John Cena in early 2019 while he was filming the comedy movie Playing with Fire in Vancouver, Canada.
  • Marriage Dates:
    • First (Legal) Wedding: October 12, 2020, in a private ceremony at a law office in Tampa, Florida.
    • Second (Celebration) Wedding: July 2022, a larger celebration held at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver.
  • Current Residence: Vancouver, Canada.

The Unexpected 'Meet-Cute' That Changed Everything

The beginning of John Cena and Shay Shariatzadeh’s romance is a classic Hollywood 'meet-cute,' though it happened completely by chance. The two were first linked in March 2019, just a few months after Cena's high-profile split from Nikki Bella.

How the Vancouver Film Set Sparked a Private Romance

Cena was in Vancouver, British Columbia, filming the family comedy Playing with Fire when he first encountered Shariatzadeh. She was not an actress or a member of the crew; she was simply living and working in the city. The actor later revealed that the movie will forever hold a special place for him because it was the setting for their first meeting. Their initial connection was reportedly very organic and low-key, a welcome change for Cena after years in the public eye.

The movie, which is about a group of smokejumpers who rescue three kids, now serves as a permanent, sweet reminder of their relationship's origin. The couple was photographed together multiple times in Vancouver, attending dinner dates and public events, but they quickly established a tone of privacy, keeping details of their burgeoning romance away from the tabloids.

The Two Weddings: Florida and Vancouver

Their path to marriage was as unique as their meeting. The couple legally tied the knot in a very intimate, private ceremony in Tampa, Florida, on October 12, 2020. This small, legal union was a reflection of the challenges of the time and their desire for a quiet commitment.

However, nearly two years later, they held a much larger, more traditional celebration. In July 2022, John and Shay had their second wedding ceremony at the luxurious Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver. They chose Vancouver specifically because it was the city where they first met and fell in love. For the second ceremony, Shay wore a stunning white open-back gown, while John sported a navy suit, celebrating their union with family and friends in the place where their journey began.

John Cena’s '#1 Passion': Recent Updates and Career Support in 2025

In 2024 and heading into 2025, John Cena has been more vocal than ever about the profound positive influence Shay Shariatzadeh has had on his life, particularly as he transitions out of his legendary wrestling career and focuses on Hollywood.

The Importance of Her Approval in His Retirement

As John Cena has discussed his final run in the WWE and his impending retirement, he has consistently highlighted his wife's support. In recent interviews, he emphasized that his wife's approval is the only one he truly needs. This perspective offers a candid look into their partnership, showing that Shariatzadeh is not just a supportive figure but a key advisor and confidante in his major life decisions. The former wrestler, who is nearly 12 years Shay's senior, has found a grounding and centering force in her intelligence and stability.

A Rare Glimpse: Date Night and Public Declaration

The couple generally avoids the spotlight, but they made a rare public appearance at the NYC premiere of Cena's new action-comedy, Heads of State. It was at this event that Cena made his most touching public statement to date. He referred to Shay Shariatzadeh as his "#1 Passion," clearly placing his relationship with her above his professional accomplishments, which for a man of his stature, is a powerful declaration.

This public display of affection and respect is significant because it reinforces the idea that Shay is the anchor in his life. She is a highly successful engineer and product manager in her own right, which allows their relationship to be one of mutual respect and independence. Her career in the technology industry, which includes working for major enterprise software companies like Sonatype, gives her a world outside of the celebrity bubble.

The Topical Authority: Why Shay’s Career is a Major Factor

One of the most compelling aspects of their marriage is the stark difference in their professional lives. Shay Shariatzadeh is a professional engineer who graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. Her career as a product manager involves overseeing the development and strategy of complex software products, a role that requires high-level technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership—a completely different skill set than wrestling or acting.

This independence and professional achievement is arguably what makes their relationship so strong. She is not defined by his fame, and her own success provides a powerful foundation for their partnership. Her estimated net worth, driven by her successful career, is a testament to her professional dedication. For John Cena, who spent decades living a very public life, marrying a woman with a strong, private, and highly intellectual career offers a sense of normalcy and grounding he clearly cherishes. Their nearly four-year marriage (as of late 2024) is a testament to their mutual understanding and commitment to keeping their private life sacred.

john cena and wife
john cena and wife

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